A-10C UFC using Xkeys

[TheBigDog]

So I found this X-Keys XK-24 device and figure it would make a decent UFC for the A-10. I was kinda pricey, but will full programmability I figured I could use it for something!

It turned out pretty darn good. It compliments the Thrustmaster MFD's perfectly, and while I wish there were a couple of more buttons on it, I think it still works out well! Programming was pretty easy and all I did was print out the labels in word on photo paper...

 

What do you think:

 

 

 

[hog_driver111th]

Where did you get it from?

[Sarge55]

Looks good. I'll check Ebay.

[TheBigDog]

I bought it from Amazon

[dooom]

http://www.piengineering.com/products.php

[YoYo]

Im user of X-keys Stick (for Com panel) in DCS. This panel has led on each key too ?

[GregP]

I'm using the 54-key X-Keys Professional and it works very nicely:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=70378

 

[TheBigDog]

Im user of X-keys Stick (for Com panel) in DCS. This panel has led on each key too ?

 

The xk-24 is backlit, so each key doesn't have individual led's, but you can backlight the entire pad either blue or red

[Succellus]

I'm using the 54-key X-Keys Professional and it works very nicely:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=70378

 

 

Back light ? Any night time picture by any chance ?

Another more interesting question:

Is it multiprogramable ? (I mean if in program Key 1 = a if in program B, Key 1 = ALT SHIFT G)

 

If both are true that is something i ve been seeking for a long time.

Edited April 5, 2011 by Succellus

[TheBigDog]

Back light ? Any night time picture by any chance ?

Another more interesting question:

Is it multiprogramable ? (I mean if in program Key 1 = a if in program B, Key 1 = ALT SHIFT G)

 

If both are true that is something i ve been seeking for a long time.

 

I'm not sure on the XKeys profressional, but I can speak on the XK-24...

You use the Macroworks software to program the device. You basically push the button on the xkeys device and then tell macroworks what keys/commands you wish that key to "transmit". You can save each setup as a profile, so if you were gonna play A-10 you go into MW and load the A-10 profile and save it to the device. You can then change the profile if you were going to use another program.

 

Hope this helps

[GregP]

Back light ? Any night time picture by any chance ?

Another more interesting question:

Is it multiprogramable ? (I mean if in program Key 1 = a if in program B, Key 1 = ALT SHIFT G)

 

 

No, no backlight with the 54-key version. Not really an issue for me, as I never fly with all the lights out.

 

In terms of multiprogrammable, I think what you mean is something like a shifted and unshifted state, or different modes, and I believe the answer to that is no. Although I haven't delved that deep into the MacroWorks software, I'm pretty sure there's just a single definition for each key for each profile created.

[Succellus]

I'm not sure on the XKeys profressional, but I can speak on the XK-24...

You use the Macroworks software to program the device. You basically push the button on the xkeys device and then tell macroworks what keys/commands you wish that key to "transmit". You can save each setup as a profile, so if you were gonna play A-10 you go into MW and load the A-10 profile and save it to the device. You can then change the profile if you were going to use another program.

 

Hope this helps

 

Yep thats it! great news.

Now there s FLIM stuff its pretty neat and will be there always but its a bit too specific so i m in doubt.

 

None boast backlighting, so i guess none has.

[YoYo]

Last time I bought X-Keys product from Amazon (US), but cost of delivery + taxes was very high. Anyone saw X-Keys product in Europe?

 

I sow years ago in Aerosoft Shop but they stopped to sell X-keys.

[Skitter]

http://www.piengineering.com/purchase.php -> Go to "international resellers ".

 

Very expensive in UK...

[johnv2pt0]

Did you have any issues getting it to work with DCS? I am trying to set one up but it's interfering with other controllers in the options.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1779186#post1779186

[cltmmm]

Here is the one I use... Got it for $50 off eBay. MANY MORE KEYS... no backlight.

 

http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keyboards/POS/SPOS_Rows_Columns/index.htm

[CubPilot]

I used a Genovation 35 key programmable KB. It works out well for me and fits in the space between my MFCD's on my instrument panel. It has two layers that gives it 68 programmable keys (one key is used to toggle the layers). So with that configuration I have the UFC keys + enough other keys available so that I really don't need to use my keyboard anymore for the most used keys.

 

The X-keys is good too, I'm not knocking it. But, it's more $'s/key.

 

I took the keypad out of the enclosure and mounted it into my panel.

 

Link #1 Post #110 The first revision I made to the keyboard.

 

Link #2 Post #114 This is the latest configuration w/ UFC + other key assignments that replaces my keyboard for most commands.

 

 

:pilotfly:

Edited June 9, 2013 by CubPilot

[johnv2pt0]

I used a Genovation 35 key programmable KB. It works out well for me and fits in the space between my MFCD's on my instrument panel. It has two layers that gives it 68 programmable keys (one key is used to toggle the layers). So with that configuration I have the UFC keys + enough other keys available so that I really don't need to use my keyboard anymore for the most used keys.

 

The X-keys is good too, I'm not knocking it. But, it's more $'s/key.

 

I took the keypad out of the enclosure and mounted it into my panel.

 

Link #1 Post #110 The first revision I made to the keyboard.

 

Link #2 Post #114 This is the latest configuration w/ UFC + other key assignments that replaces my keyboard for most commands.

 

 

:pilotfly:

 

Can you describe how well the "Momentary contact with tactile sound" aspect works? Thanks ~

[sapounas]

May i ask what displays you are using for the MFCD?

 

[Feuerfalke]

May i ask what displays you are using for the MFCD?

 

Probably none at all, as the MFCDs don't show what is currently displayed ingame.

[CubPilot]

Can you describe how well the "Momentary contact with tactile sound" aspect works? Thanks ~

 

Are you asking about VAC (Voice Activated Commands) or how the hat position on my throttle activates VAC?

 

 

 

:pilotfly:

[johnv2pt0]

Are you asking about VAC (Voice Activated Commands) or how the hat position on my throttle activates VAC?

 

 

 

:pilotfly:

 

I was referring to the genovation keypad actually. That quote is from it's description, but I'd like to know exactly how tactile it is. For the xkeys, there is no tactile sensation or button click which I think is a downside. If the genovation is better I may just replace the xkeys keypad.

[CubPilot]

I was referring to the genovation keypad actually. That quote is from it's description, but I'd like to know exactly how tactile it is. For the xkeys, there is no tactile sensation or button click which I think is a downside. If the genovation is better I may just replace the xkeys keypad.

 

I don't have a problem using my 682-U. These use Cherry MX key switches, gold plated & rated at 50 million operations, they are high quality keyboard keys. There is a click when pushed to the bottom of its stroke, the lighter you tap a key the less loud it is. I'm not sure if the switch has a clicker in it or it makes the click because it bottoms out on the metal plate the keys are attached to. At any rate it works well for me.

 

I got mine at SKS, the 682-U. Same price as your X-Keys (price quote from their website). But, I have more programmable keys. I don't know if one or the other has better programming software, I don't have any X-Keys products.

 

I guess the down side is if you expect to get one off E-bay real cheap. You won't find many of the 682-U PKB'S there. I just checked E-bay and there was a one (681-U), but it was cheaper to buy it new at SKS! Of course this probably depends on where you live (Customs,VAT,etc.).

 

 

Edited June 11, 2013 by CubPilot

[johnv2pt0]

I don't have a problem using my 682-U. These use Cherry MX key switches, gold plated & rated at 50 million operations, they are high quality keyboard keys. There is a click when pushed to the bottom of its stroke, the lighter you tap a key the less loud it is. I'm not sure if the switch has a clicker in it or it makes the click because it bottoms out on the metal plate the keys are attached to. At any rate it works well for me.

 

I got mine at SKS, the 682-U. Same price as your X-Keys (price quote from their website). But, I have more programmable keys. I don't know if one or the other has better programming software, I don't have any X-Keys products.

 

I guess the down side is if you expect to get one off E-bay real cheap. You won't find many of the 682-U PKB'S there. I just checked E-bay and there was a one (681-U), but it was cheaper to buy it new at SKS! Of course this probably depends on where you live (Customs,VAT,etc.).

 

 

 

Ok thanks. I think I'm going to pick one up. Whichever is better will earn it's place betwixt my MFCDs...the other shall be sold!

[CubPilot]

Well, if you pull the trigger on the Genovation you are welcome to use my layout, or any part of my layout for the key labels. I posted them in post #114 (link in previous post in this thread) in a zip file. It also includes the keypad key assignments file, might be a good place to start from to customize to your tastes. I tried to make the UFC part as much like the real one while working within the constraints of the Genovation key layout.

 

I have since replaced the Canopy UP-DN key to toggle the Loadout Menu. I have a switch for the Canopy on my instrument panel now. I also put the Night Goggle Toggle on the second layer because the Hud Intensity keys controls the Night Goggle Intensity when on the second layer, it made more sense to have both on the same layer. The Briefing key doesn't work as I expected, it's a DCS thing I guess, so that will probably be changed to something else when I determine what that might be.

 

 

:pilotfly: